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Pacific Money
The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.
March 07, 2023
Why Vietnam’s State-Owned Electric Utility EVN is in Financial Trouble
By James Guild
According to recent reports, the utility is posting huge losses and may run out of cash as early as May.
March 02, 2023
In China, Lawyers Don’t Need to Keep Your Secrets
By Bonnie Girard
China has many of the trappings of a Western legal system, but lacks the substance – including a guarantee of attorney-client privilege.
March 01, 2023
Breaking Down Singapore’s 2023 Budget
By James Guild
The city-state's economic mandarins are signaling a return to normalcy after the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 27, 2023
Will China Create a New State-Owned Enterprise to Monopolize Artificial Intelligence?
By Shaoshan Liu
Since AI has become essential to national interest, China may not be willing to leave its development in the hands of private companies.
February 23, 2023
China’s 3 Pathways to Green Steel
By Chin Hsueh
China’s steel industry is a crucial part of its decarbonization efforts – and thus the fate of the global fight against climate change.
February 21, 2023
Are Foreign Investors Returning to Southeast Asia in 2023?
By James Guild
With regional financial markets less dependent than ever on foreign capital, a lot less is hanging on the question than in years past.
February 20, 2023
Balancing ASEAN’s Internal and External Economic Integration
By Fajar Hidayat
While political crises dominate the bloc's attention, Indonesia can use its chairmanship to advance and recalibrate ASEAN's economic integration agenda.
February 16, 2023
ASEAN Needs to Prepare Now for the Future of Work
By Heng Molika
Amid rapid economic and technological changes, Southeast Asian governments need to offer generous subsidies for digital upskilling.
February 14, 2023
Indonesia and Malaysia Saw Strong Economic Growth in 2022
By James Guild
Last year saw several Southeast Asian economies bounce back from the distortions and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 10, 2023
Malaysia, Indonesia to Dispatch Envoys to EU Over Palm Oil Dispute
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations hope to convince European regulators that their local certification efforts conform to the EU's rigorous new regulation on deforestation.
February 10, 2023
Rebalancing vs Decoupling: China-US Economic Ties and the Global Economy
By Ronald U. Mendoza
The hyper-competitive international production chains that have long characterized Asia's economies now face a significant political recalibration.
February 09, 2023
New EU Regulation Could Hurt Small Palm Oil Producers: Watchdog
By Sebastian Strangio
Joseph D'Cruz, the head of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), believes that Brussels' new rules could have a "human, social and developmental cost."